The BBC's Paul Reynolds"Mr Bush has not so far addressed one point of criticism, that more energy will lead to more greenhouse gases" real 28kPeter Chase, US Councillor for Economic Affairs"You have to address a problem like this from both supply and demand sides" real 28kSir Robert May, president of the Royal Society"Small actions now are disproportionately important" real 28kPaul Gunter, Nuclear Information & Resource Service"This is a very dangerous policy" real 56k

Friday, 18 May, 2001, 04:15 GMT 05:15 UK

Hostile reaction to Bush energy plan

Bush's plan includes a boost for nuclear power

There has been widespread criticism of US President George W Bush's plans for meeting the future energy needs of the country by increasing reliance on fossil fuels and nuclear power.

"No matter how well we conserve, we're still going to need more energy," he said.
"If we fail to act, Americans will face more and more widespread blackouts."

His plan will boost domestic energy production and reduce reliance on imports.

"I can't think of anything better for national security than to
replace barrels of oil that come into the country from nations that
can't stand America - some of them don't - with products that we grow here in America," Bush told a cheering crowd, as he unveiled his plan in Iowa.

Domestic criticism

Several prominent Democrats were quick to attack the plan, indicating that the plan faces a tough battle in Congress.

New electricity transmission lines will be built

House Democratic leader Richard Gephardt said: "We think the president's plan makes the wrong choices
for America and for the American people."

And Democratic Senator Harry Reid complained that
the GOP - the Republican Party's nickname - now stood for
"Gas, Oil and Plutonium."

California Governor Gray Davis saw no relief for the energy crisis his state is facing, and accused the president of "turning a blind eye to the bleeding and haemorrhaging
that is taking place in this state.

"We are literally in a war with energy companies who are
price-gouging us. Many of those companies are in Texas," Mr Davis
said.

"With all due respect, Mr President, Californians want
to know whether you're going to be on their side."

Specific measures

The White House has earlier warned that the US faced the most serious energy shortage since the oil embargoes of the 1970s, with a fundamental imbalance between supply and demand.

President Bush has been on a tour to promote his energy policies

Mr Bush said the US could become more and more reliant on foreign crude oil, "putting our national energy security in the hand of foreign nations, some of whom do not share our interests".

The plans include increased oil exploration in an Arctic wildlife reserve, and an easing of regulations on oil refining, coal extraction and the building of new nuclear power plants.

The new energy policy includes plans to license 1,300 new power stations over the next 20 years, and to streamline the licensing of new nuclear plants to speed their development.

New electricity transmission lines will be build across the country, as well as more pipelines to carry oil and natural gas.

Tax breaks totalling $10bn for fuel-efficient cars and energy efficient homes are also planned, in what is being seen as a change in attitude towards conservation measures.